Thursday, October 3, 2019

Mobile Operators Get Into Single Sign-On with ZenKey

Single sign-on is a feature lots of consumers routinely use, in part because password management now is so difficult. U.S. mobile operators, though arguably late to the game, now plan to launch their own single sign-on service, called ZenKey. To be sure, the carriers tout the advantages of multi-factor authentication, including sources such as phone number, account type, user credentials, account tenure and subscriber identity module details. 

On the other hand, ZenKey will have to compete with Apple, Google, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as providers of single sign-on features. On the other hand, ZenKey is among the most-logical ways to use data stores mobile operators possess. 

The Mobile Authentication Taskforce--AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon--will announce the ZenKey in October 2019. 

The foray into password management might hinge on whether it is as easy to use as the other single sign-on services, or perhaps easier, if that is possible. Whether consumers believe the story about multi-factor advantages is another obvious issue. Also, we might get a test of how much trust consumers have in their mobile service providers, compared to the other big brand names in the space. 


No comments:

Directv-Dish Merger Fails

Directv’’s termination of its deal to merge with EchoStar, apparently because EchoStar bondholders did not approve, means EchoStar continue...